The number of homes a buyer has to choose from is on the rise as we forge ahead into what is traditionally known as a buyers market. If you currently have your home for sale or are planning to list your home for sale, there are important actions that you, as the seller, must take to elevate your home above what is quickly becoming a crowded market. The number of homes for sale that your home will be competing against is greater than in the past several years and you will have to make an impression on a buyer that your home is the right fit for them. Here are the 12 most important strategies you can implement to rise above the crowd.

Begin With the Outside of Your Home.

Everyone knows that you only get one chance to make a first impression, so what should that impression be? Start with the view from the street to the front door. If your mailbox shows its age, paint it or replace it. If your home is painted, a good rule of thumb is that if it has been more than 5 years since it was painted, it probably needs to be painted again. Pressure wash the curb, driveway and sidewalk. Make sure your lawn is manicured and your plants look fresh and inviting. Finally, consider your front door itself. Make sure the paint is fresh, the locks work easily and the door opens with out any use of force.

Lighting is the First Impression on a Buyer.

Brighter is better here so make sure all lights are operational with the highest wattage bulb allowed for each fixture.

De-clutter and Remove Family Photos.

Remove unnecessary items from tables, mantles, floors and counters. Items in these areas tend to shrink the feel of the house. Personal items should be removed wherever possible. Your goal is to sell your home so keep your buyers focus on the house, not on you.

Clean Everything - Remove Bad Odors.

Baseboards, windows, cabinets, ceiling fans, mantles, sinks, doors handles, shelves, vacuum all carpets and treat stains, thoroughly clean hardwood floors, organize the laundry room and pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms.

Garage and Basement.

Remember what the intended uses of these spaces are. Your garage is a place to keep your car out of the weather and offers a second entrance into an out of your home. Place items of storage in organized boxes in your basement and give the impression to the buyer that you are ready to move.

Organize Your Closets.

Buyers like to peek into closets to see if there is adequate storage for there possessions. Maximize the appearance of space through minimizing the number of items in your closets.

Bedrooms Must be Tidy.

The impression your bedroom should have on a buyer needs to be about the room - not you. To that end, your bed should be made, clothes and shoes should be out of site and this is the one place in the house where softer lighting is appropriate.

Paint Wherever Necessary.

Do not skip this step. With paint, you have a chance to freshen up walls that will add new life to your home. The entrance, heavily trafficked areas, doors, bathrooms and kitchens are the most common areas that will need a fresh coat of paint.

Light Fixtures, Faucets and Door Hardware.

Think of these items as the jewelry inside your home. These items must be in keeping with today's style and the overall architectural feel of your home. This is another area that you must not overlook. You can be sure that your buyers will notice outdated items as soon as they see them.

Systems in Your Home.

If your hot water heater, air conditioner, furnace and electrical systems are not new, understand that your homes value will be reduced because of it.

Structural Issues - Roofing and Siding.

There is a common term home inspectors will use when referring parts of your home . It is called "useful life". If you have a roof or siding that is nearing the end of its useful life, replace it.

Stage Your Home.

Create a welcoming environment in your home by showing each room in a clean and organized way that fits with the intended purpose of that room. If you are not comfortable or talented in this area, hire a professional. If there are two homes equal in every other way, the one that is staged will sell first.

Some of the suggestions listed above may be a hard pill to swallow. You can be sure however, that in today's market, if you do not complete the 12 items on this list, another seller nearby will, and their home will sell before yours, faster and for more money. For every item not completed on this list you will reduce the selling price of your home and it will take longer for your home to sell. As a Real Estate professional, I feel that it is in your best interest to tell you the truth up front to eliminate problems before they happen. By following the guidelines above you will have gone a long way to present your home in a way that helps it stand above the competition.

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